Petar I Petrović Njegoš
Metropolitan of Cetinje (1784–1830)
- Bearer
- Metropolitan Petar I Petrović Njegoš
- Office
- Metropolitan of Cetinje, ruler of Montenegro
- Period
- 1784–1830.
- Patron saint's day (Slava)
- Saint Peter of Cetinje
The personal arms of Petar I Petrović Njegoš, Metropolitan of Cetinje and temporal ruler of Montenegro from 1784 to 1830, whom the Serbian Orthodox Church venerates as Saint Peter of Cetinje. The shield combines the double-headed eagle and the lion passant, the basic devices of Montenegrin heraldry, and the cross and staff denote episcopal rank.
Blazon
A red shield with a gold border, divided horizontally by a gold line: above a silver double-headed eagle with gold legs, below a gold lion passant.
Above the shield, a golden crown with a red cap and a cross at the top.
Behind the shield, a cross and a bishop's crozier with serpent heads, crossed.
A red mantle lined with silver, with golden cords and tassels.
Beneath the shield, a silver flower with a golden centre.
Symbolism and meaning
The double-headed eagle expresses the Serbian and Orthodox heritage of the Metropolitanate of Cetinje, and the lion passant the strength and independence of Montenegro, which Metropolitan Petar I defended in the battles of Martinići and Krusi in 1796. The cross and staff behind the shield are signs of episcopal authority.
